Jeremy Francou’s Hat Trick Secures Vermont Green FC Title

Francou Lights Up Connecticut Rush

Jeremy Francou exploded onto the field against Connecticut Rush, delivering a hat trick in just 37 minutes of the first half. He netted the first five goals for Vermont Green FC, turning a lopsided 6‑2 victory into a statement win. The dominant performance capped off a season where the Green entered the match on a remarkable 12‑0‑1 record. This night of fireworks also secured Vermont’s second consecutive Northeast Division trophy.

Season‑Long Scoring Record Set

Coming into the contest as the club’s leading scorer with eight goals, Francou finished the night with 13 tallies for the campaign. That total eclipsed the previous single‑season mark of 12 set by Yaniv Bazini in 2024, establishing a new benchmark for the franchise. The boost in his personal stats also reinforced his reputation as the go‑to striker for big moments. Francou’s haul helped the Green capture the division crown and set the stage for deeper postseason ambitions.

Family Roots and a College Connection

The French forward’s performance took on extra luster as his father and friends made the trip from France to watch him play. “First time in my career,” he remarked, expressing gratitude for the support that fueled his dominance. The decision to join Vermont was sparked by former college teammate Julien Le Bourdoulous, who had been instrumental in the 2025 title run. “I’m really glad that I asked him about coming here,” Francou later said, thanking his friend for the opportunity.

Hat Trick Highlights, Awards and Teammate Heroics

Francou’s most memorable goal came after a tight battle for the ball; he surged past two defenders and fired a curling shot from the edge of the box that slipped past the keeper. He later accepted the Maple Man of the Match honor by drinking maple syrup straight from the Northeast Division Cup—a moment that resonated with fans. Midfielder Alex Hall added to his club‑record tally with two assists for Francou, pushing his total to nine for the season. Samson Kpardeh closed out the win with a decisive strike in the 69th minute, holding off multiple defenders. Meanwhile, Connecticut’s goalie Michael Sipples kept the game closer by saving several of his attempts.

From Early Slump to Star Performer

Francou’s start to the season was shaky, highlighted by a 2‑2 draw with Seacoast United on June 16, which left coach Chris Taylor questioning his confidence. The coach kept faith, inserting the forward at halftime during a road match against Boston City FC where he quickly gave the Green the lead. “He’s been the guy for the big moments,” Taylor praised after the game. That belief turned a rough patch into a clutch, record‑setting performance against Connecticut.

What Lies Ahead for Vermont Green FC

The regular season wraps up on July 10 with a road fixture at Western Mass Pioneers, though the division title is already secured. Coach Taylor still stresses the importance of point records and the chance to host a playoff game, aiming to become “the number one team in the country.” The momentum built by Francou’s historic scoring run positions Vermont for a deep postseason run if they can close out the schedule strong. With a blend of veteran leadership and rising talent, the Green are set to carry forward the success of this unforgettable campaign.